On his latest release, Rare Bird Alert, Martin has teamed up with former North Carolina pickin’ buddies, The Steep Canyon Rangers to give us yet another kickass bluegrass album. Not only is it a fine exhibition of solid traditional music, but his penchant for tongue-in-cheek lyrics (like the ironically up tempo, “Women Like to Slow Dance” or “Atheists Don’t Have No Songs”) remind us he’s one hell of a funny dude. But, his music ain’t no joke.

Martin’s really hit the rusty old railroad nail on the head here. Check out the track “My Best Love” featuring Paul McCartney (it’s a little bit Eleanor Rigby and a whole lot Americana).